Brazilian arrested on suspicion of setting fire to apartment building in London; A family looking for answers

Wesley Farias was arrested on suspicion of arson in a residential building in London – Photo: Social Networks

Brazilian Wesley Guilherme Farias, 25, has been arrested in London since March 3, accused of setting fire to a residential building in the Kensington district, one of the most upscale areas of the UK capital. Born in Eirunepé, in the interior of the Amazonas, he has been in the British city for about four years, according to his family, searching for answers to what happened.

British police identified the fire in the apartment where the Amazonian lived. Firefighters said the fire spread from the ground floor of the building to the upper floor and roof.

The fire broke out on March 1 at a five-storey detached house that had been converted into several flats near the Natural History Museum, the London Fire Brigade said.

Seven police officers and six residents suffered smoke inhalation during the incident. All were taken to hospital and discharged. No one was seriously injured, according to the London Metropolitan Police.

Firefighters also said 160 people living in the property and neighboring residences were evacuated from the property for safety.

For the British police, the fire was considered suspicious and Wesley was arrested on Sunday (3) and charged with setting the fire at the flat where he lived. The circumstances of the incident are yet to be clarified.

The following day, Wesley Guilherme Farias was charged with arson with intent to endanger life, London's Metropolitan Police said.

As of the last update of this report, police had not provided further details about the motive for the crime.

According to local police, Wesley was remanded in custody at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday (4). He must remain in jail while a trial and possible appeal is prepared. The trial is due to take place at Isleworth Crown Court on April 3.

A fire at a residential building in London – Photo: London Fire Department

required by g1, Wesley's relative, who asked not to be named, said the family continues to seek answers about the case. Friends of the Amazons in London have helped with some information, much of which is still unclear.

“We don't have much to do, we don't know about him, we only know that he is in prison, he hasn't contacted any of his family, his close friends in London are sending information through social media. One of these friends said Wesley told police the fire was not intentional.

He further explained that Wesley had been in Europe for four years, working to help his younger sister who lived in Eirunepé, in the interior of the Amazonas.

“Wesley was a surreal man who helped his sister because they were motherless and fatherless. He was a hardworking boy who never experienced this kind of thing here in Manas or in his homeland”, he said.

Itamaratty follows suit

In a note, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is still available through the Consulate General of Brazil in London to provide appropriate diplomatic assistance to Brazilian citizens.